Suggested Hikes on the Wild Side
Here are snapshots of four suggested hikes of varying length and difficulty to choose from on your Western U.P. adventure into the areas of the Ottawa National Forest proposed by Keep the U.P. Wild to become Wilderness, along with some handy tips for staying safe on the trail:
1. Bear’s Den Overlook in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
Photo: Bear’s Den Overlook in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Credit: Keweenaw CVB.
The short and easy hike to the Bear’s Den Overlook offers a panoramic view of the entire 16,700-acre Sturgeon River Gorge, which reaches 350 feet deep and a mile wide, and its furrowed valleys forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. A small parking area along Forest Road 2200 provides easy access to this popular spot. Here is a Google Map marking the Bear’s Den Overlook in Houghton County, as well as the Ottawa National Forest’s Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness map and driving directions. For additional hiking opportunities, consider trekking the nearby steep stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail (see the NCT’s interactive map and trail guide for segments 38-39), which parallels the northern and eastern boundaries of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness for about eight miles. The primitive Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary of the Wilderness. Learn more about Keep the U.P. Wild’s proposal to extend Wilderness protection to roughly 2,000 acres of Ottawa National Forest land on the gorge’s southwestern border.
2. Sturgeon River Falls in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness
Photo: Sturgeon River Falls in the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. Credit: Keep the U.P. Wild.
This is the most visited place in the 16,700-acre Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness because it’s relatively easy to find and has a designated trail down to the 20-foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls. But make no mistake: The roughly one-mile trail to the thunderous waterfall drops a few hundred feet through switchbacks and the final stretch can be treacherous when slippery. A parking area and trailhead are located off of Forest Road 2270 in Houghton County (less than a mile from the parking for the also popular Bear’s Den Overlook). Give yourself a 2-3 hours roundtrip to traverse the challenging hike and take in the scenic beauty at the bottom of the gorge. Here is a Google Map marking the Sturgeon River Falls trailhead, as well as the Ottawa National Forest’s Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness map and driving directions. For additional hiking opportunities, consider trekking the nearby steep stretch of the North Country National Scenic Trail (see the NCT’s interactive map and trail guide for segments 38-39), which parallels the northern and eastern boundaries of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness for about eight miles. The primitive Sturgeon River Campground offers seven sites on the southeastern boundary of the Wilderness.
Learn more about Keep the U.P. Wild’s proposal to extend Wilderness protection to roughly 2,000 acres of Ottawa National Forest land on the gorge’s southwestern border which currently does not feature trail access.
3. Cascade Falls in the Trap Hills
Photo: Cascade Falls in the Trap Hills. Credit: Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association.
The water of Cascade Creek in Ontonagon County cascades over tiers of six-foot drops as it plunges toward the West Branch of the Ontonagon River. Cascade Falls is part of the Trap Hills, a largely roadless volcanic-origin range in the Ottawa National Forest with open rock balds and cliffs, vast scenic vistas, that hosts wolves, moose, and documented rare plant populations. Two trails will lead you to the Cascade Falls, an unnamed trail and Bluff Trail. The lower unnamed trail is the easiest at one mile long with only mild changes in elevation, while the Bluff Trail is longer as it leaves and rejoins the main trail and can be quite challenging in steep sections, but will reward you with outstanding vistas. Here is a Google Map marking the Cascade Falls Trailhead and parking area off of M-28 and Forest Road 400, as well as the Ottawa National Forest’s driving directions and trail map. See also segment 8 of the North Country National Scenic Trail’s interactive map and trail guide. Learn more about Keep the U.P. Wild’s proposal to extend Wilderness protection to the 25,000-acres Trap Hills.
4. Hacking Site Trail in the Trap Hills
Photo: A lookout in the Trap Hills in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Credit: Keep the U.P. Wild.
The Hacking Site Trail offers a steep and hilly one-mile trek through a hemlock and hardwood forest that leads to several off-trail vistas and connects to the North Country Trail. Hiking roughly another rugged mile along the NCT provides spectacular overlooks from a bluff in the Trap Hills, a largely roadless volcanic-origin range in the Ottawa National Forest with open rock balds and cliffs that hosts wolves, moose, and documented rare plant populations. Here is a Google Map marking the Hacking Site Trailhead; access is via Old M-64 to the dead end on Forest Road 326; park perpendicular to the dirt road and leave room for other vehicles. See the Ottawa National Forest’s driving directions and trail map, as well as segments 3-4 of the North Country National Scenic Trail’s interactive map and trail guide). Learn more about Keep the U.P. Wild’s proposal to extend Wilderness protection to the 25,000-acres Trap Hills.
Plan Ahead for Happy Hiking
Keep the U.P. Wild encourages you to plan well in advance before exploring the majestic, wild lands and waters of the Ehlco area, Trap Hills, Norwich Plains, and Sturgeon River Gorge. Always be prepared before you go to avoid getting lost in the woods. Here are some tips to stay safe and enjoy yourself:
Consult local hiking information in advance, including the trail guide and other invaluable information from the Peter Wolfe Chapter of the North Country Trail and, of course, from the Ottawa National Forest. Choose a trail length and steepness that match your fitness level; these are wild lands with demanding hikes in dense woods.
Hike with a companion, if possible, and let someone back home know your plans and expected schedule.
Carry a first aid kit, remember the old rule, “Leaves of three, let it be!,” and plan ahead for where to get medical care if you or a companion becomes sick and injured.
Take a flashlight or headlamp along because darkness falls quickly in the forest.
Don’t count on having reliable cell phone service; instead, bring a compass and paper (or waterproof) maps for roads and trails.
Pack extra water and high-energy snacks.
Bring a hat, sunblock, bug spray, and a rain jacket. Wear hiking shoes or boots. Use hiking poles if you have them.
Take breaks and enjoy the scenic views, forest canopy, flora, fauna, and freshwater ecology of these wild lands.
ENJOY!